Every gathering is a networking event

I hope that all of you have plans for the Labor Day weekend. Please know that every gathering is a networking event.

Although I don’t recommend bringing resumes to the various barbeques you may be attending, do bring business cards and that winning smile of yours.

People know people. And, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Your friends and relatives may have some sense of what you do for a living, but don’t count on them to totally understand. They don’t actually need to. That said, if you are active in your search, a simple 30 second announcement goes a long way to helping others help you.

Getting in front of people who will understand what you do is your objective. Don’t ask if they know about any open jobs or companies that are hiring. How would they know? Why would they know? On the other hand, if your expertise is SaaS, a simple explanation of what that means followed by some companies that do this will help get their minds cranking, even after a few beers.

You just never know who they play golf or tennis with. You never know who their neighbors are. Dumb luck is a lot better than no luck at all.

So, don’t be “over the top” in trying to get 3 names from everyone. But don’t be totally bashful either. People may know you are looking for work, but they won’t ask out of fear of saying something wrong. You need to start the conversation.

If you get into a discussion about your search, be sure to mention The FENG, that wonderful networking group of which you are a member. Tell them we not only invented pay it forward, we live it every day. Positive stories get people to relax.

You’ve got them where you want them. Don’t let them get away.

Regards, Matt